Artificial Intelligence at UMD

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Generative AI is an emerging technology that has transformed the academic landscape in positive and negative ways. The University of Minnesota community is continuously exploring emerging patterns, technologies, and policies to improve the teaching and learning of our student community.

Requests for workshops and consultations on Generative AI can be sent to [email protected]

General rules for AI Use

UMD created a Generative AI Tools policy for course work, effective Fall 2024. The policy, which was drafted by faculty, staff, and students, completed the campus policy review process during spring 2024. The default position of the University is:

Student use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) as part of course work requires written instructor permission. Without instructor permission, the default will be to treat student use of generative AI for assigned course work as scholastic dishonesty

All Faculty should add specific language to their courses that indicates if and when AI use is appropriate for assignments. The UMN Office of the Provost offers some suggested language for syllabus. Faculty may also use language approved by their departments, or colleges.

Individuals interested in Generative Ai should explore:

The University Of Minnesota does not subscribe to an AI Detection Tool. Research has shown that vendor claims about accuracy are limited, and too many false positives are generated by such tools.  Faculty with concerns about academic integrity on written assignments should follow the steps provided by the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.

As January 2024, The University of Minnesota supports two Generative AI Tools for students, staff, and faculty to use:

  1. Microsoft CoPIlot with Enterprise Data Protection
  2. Zoom AI Companion

There is no prohibition against exploring other generative ai products, but these products are not supported by ITSS and OIT. Users of these tools should be mindful of UMN data security policy.

Join the AI Community of Practice

ITSS Academic Technology sponsors and supports the UMN AI Community of Practice Google Group (AI-COP). This is a UMN System Wide group and is open to anyone who is curious about the intersection between AI and ethics, academics, business, labor, technology, learning, and everything else in-between.

Spring 2024 AI-COP Events

Additional AI Resources